Villa the Peace Cup winners - Analysis

Premier League, Europa League, FA Cup or even Carling Cup, it is not.

But given the adversity Villa have faced of late, whether it be injuries, red cards or the absence of new arrivals, their success in Spain has come as a somewhat pleasant surprise.

Beating two of Europe's powerhouses in first Porto and last night Juventus, albeit on penalties, is no mean feat.

Certainly, it will have breathed confidence into the young lions that boss Martin O'Neill has been forced to call on here.

Judging by the way Villa's players sprinted to Brad Guzan when Nicola Legrottaglie skied over the bar to seal the success, it meant as much to them as the several hundred fans who followed them out here.

A week ago they looked dead and buried having lost to Malaga but they have bounced back.

Marc Albrighton's performances have suggested he is capable of stepping up to the first team, Guzan has been outstanding in goal and poses a genuine threat to Brad Friedel for the number one jersey, Ashley Young and John Carew both look sharp while Villa's midfield has looked safe in the hands of Steve Sidwell and Nigel Reo-Coker.

While it would be foolish to read too much into what have essentially been glorified friendlies, there are at least positive signs from a pre-season which has been less than ideal in terms of preparation.

There was a narrow escape for Villa when Filipe Melo's low effort skidded inches past the post. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon then came to Juve's rescue, when he was down quickly to tip a low driven free-kick from John Carew around the post.

The Italy number one then pulled off another outstanding save to beat away Albrighton's stinging shot.

There was an anxious moment early in the second half when Davies needed treatment after colliding with Guzan, but the defender was fine to continue.

The goalkeeper justified his inclusion by making a wonderful double save – coming off his line to deny David Trezeguet after the Frenchman had latched onto Carlos Cuellar's tame backward header, before keeping out Christian Zanetti's rebound with his feet.

Later were more one-on-one heroics, when he was sharply out to deny Jonathan Zebina. But neither side could make a breakthrough, forcing extra-time.

Reo-Coker twice threatened, while Trezeguet attempted a spectacular overhead kick in an otherwise uneventful spell which grew so dull referee Kevin Blom blew up three minutes early. So to penalties.

Misses from Sidwell and Chris Herd gave Alessandro Del Piero the chance to win it but the World Cup winner fluffed his lines, scuffing a pathetic penalty straight at Guzan.

Cuellar held his nerve before Legrottaglie blazed over – ensuring Villa head home today with an extra £2million in the bank.

Now for some signings please.